Hydrographer Commissioner 2026-01802

Job Title

Water Use and Management Specialist

Open until filled. Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for the water use and management decisions for a broad area of the State of Wyoming, in an assigned Water Division.

Nestled near the stunning Wyoming Range and the Green River, Big Piney, WY offers an unbeatable mountain lifestyle without the resort-town price tag. With no state income tax, incredibly affordable housing, and a tight-knit, welcoming community, Big Piney is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling. If you are ready to trade traffic jams and city noise for clean air, stellar mountain views, and a safe, peaceful place to call home, we want you on our team in Big Piney!

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE!  for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator:

Human Resource Contact:
Rachael Reinhardt  rachael.reinhardt2

Essential functions include:

• Measures, monitors, regulates, documents, and accounts for the use of available water supplies.
• Responsible for the daily accounting of water usage.
• Reduces and analyzes data collected and prepares it for publication.
• Inspects water use facilities, structures, and land under water rights permits for permit compliance and adjudication.
• Conducts detailed inspections of irrigation facilities to ensure compliance with their permits.
• Completes technical inspections of reservoirs for dam safety.
• Researches, compiles, and reports water rights information.
• Meets with, confers with, and counsels water resource users and mediates water rights disputes between appropriators.
• Installs operates, and maintains stream gaging equipment.
• Meets with and assists the public with inquiries regarding water rights and filing of water rights applications.

Preference may be given to applicants with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in an environmental or natural science field, PLUS three years of work experience in a regulatory occupation, agriculture, hydrology, ranch or farm irrigation, fieldwork, data collection, engineering, or experience with water use as it relates to water resource management. Preference may be given to candidates currently residing in or willing to relocate to Big Piney, Wyoming but other areas may be considered.

Knowledge of Wyoming water law; rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and business practices of the State Engineer's Office and Board of Control; hydrology; water rights; water measurement techniques, practices, and equipment; irrigation principles and practices; map reading and legal land descriptions; surveying principles.

Skills in interpersonal, written, and verbal communications; managing resources; computer applications (database, spreadsheet, presentation, word processing, GIS software); hydrologic data collection, interpretation, analysis, and reporting; use of a variety of hydrologic measuring and monitoring equipment and tools for data collection; stream gaging telemetry and measuring device installation and maintenance; complex mathematical computations; maps and records interpretation.

Ability to work with a variety of people, agencies, and associations to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals and to build relationships with those you work with; deal with entities in difficult and complex situations to achieve resolution or compliance with laws and/or rules and regulations; present and convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals verbally, electronically and/or in writing to ensure they understand the information.

Minimum qualifications include:

Education:

Bachelor's (typically in The Sciences)

Experience:

0-3 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Specialist OR

Education & Experience Substitution: 4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in The Sciences) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Natural Resources Specialist

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None

Physical working conditions include:

• Position requires the physical ability to hike, lift, wade, snowmobile and drive all-terrain vehicles, and work in unpredictable and inclement weather conditions in remote areas while working alone.

Notes include:

• FLSA:
  Non-Exempt
• This is an AT-WILL position and is appointed by the Governor, pursuant to Wyoming Statute 41-3-602 and 9-1-202.
• Successful applicants are required to pass a…